Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Crisp-skinned chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and finished with sun-ripened cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a vibrant, herbaceous meal. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 oz chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes without moving until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 3: Flip chicken thighs and cook for 6-8 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: While chicken rests, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 cup cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and return chicken to skillet to warm through, about 1 minute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sear-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
American whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The basil and tomatoes elevate basic chicken thighs into something restaurant-worthy. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
This is the only chicken recipe I make on Whole30. So simple, so delicious!
- ★★★★★
The sear was flawless and the tomatoes popped with flavor. My kids actually ate vegetables!
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